The palace had an eerie silence in it as Myra walked slowly towards the kitchens. When she left the day before, it was full of life and servants were at every corner ready to fill the needs of the royals or higher ups, but now, there was literally no one. It felt relieving to see Madri behind the usual table, even if the kitchen also only had half the staff. Even Madri, who usually makes it her business to know everything happening around the palace, didn't know where everyone was. Only said that the head keeper made her way around to talk to a handful of servants in each part of the palace, followed by them leaving.
In the barn, Imran was even more baffled about the strange behaviour of everyone, said all the years he lived in the palace, this was a first. It also didn't ease their worries when Sayer and Cairo did not turn up to training.
At first both of them shared their worst theories as to what might have happened, anything from the king going into hiding due to Daran no longer being safe or someone in the royal family getting assassinated and now everyone is running away. However, that didn't last long. After the initial panic Myra and Imran looked at each other and began snickering at their theories, then proceeded to twist them into more ridiculous stories as they practised, whether it was adding the palace staff being ghosts to the prince being a damsel in distress. Myra literally had to stop mid swing to hold her hurting stomach from how hard she laughed and wipe the tears that ran down her cheek. Imran continued to mumble the nonsense they created as he laughed and Brenna with Nythe sat further away, watching them both as if they had gone mad.
“This does not look like effective practice to me.” Sayer's grumpy voice sounded through the barn.
It was the quickest Myra has ever gotten up. Actually that was most likely a lie, Ayra once had forgotten rolls in the oven and the whole kitchen was set alight, the moment Myra smelt the burning furniture she sprinted down the stairs. This certainly competed with it though. Through her rush she stumbled and was about to head right back down, Imran was quicker than her clumsiness and lifted her up.
The dragon trainer looked exhausted. Cairo said he was out training Nythe, teaching her better flight, but a few days passed since then and she didn't see Sayer anywhere in the palace. The old man must have spent most of the time bathing in the sun, his skin was no longer a warm honey, but much closer to the prince's olive tones. Unfortunately for him, it did not do Sayer any favours in making him look younger, as his white hair stood out a lot more.
Cairo walked closely behind him. Instead of the usual rider uniform, the prince wore a deep blue robe with golden stitching that was mostly open on the top, with that he wore simple, white loose trousers. For once the prince was not draped in golden jewellery, no golden cuffs sat on his upper arm, no golden rings on his fingers or necklaces around his throat. More surprisingly there was no pendant in his hair. It usually kept the black waves tame and pressed down, but without it, it seemed much more out of control and more like he just rolled out of bed. It felt strange for Myra to be seeing him so casual.
“I recommend for you two to start packing.” Sayer said as he made his way towards the dragons at the back.
Myra gave a confused look towards Imran. “So there is a reason why half of the servants are gone?”
“Please don't let the palace be haunted, please don't let it be ghosts.” Imran whispered.
Then the prince started to explain what he found in the book, the text that explained the full potential of the shadow magic. It was so much worse than all the made up stories they laughed about minutes ago. Even Imran's dark complexion became ashy as the prince explained the ability to take away someone's emotions. Ghosts would have been better than this.
It now felt impossible in Myra's mind to be able to fight the rebels. She could barely fight a low level shadow user, how would she deal with someone who could take her senses away or make her feel nothing? Even with a bow, she would be useless if there was nothing but darkness to see.
The symbols were a whole problem of their own and thoughts of innocent people including Myra’s family no longer being safe.
“Why are we packing Sayer? If you are about to tell me we are leaving the capital defenceless against this horrid source, you are wrong to think I'm taking a step put.” Imran complained.
“No you fool, we are leaving to prepare for the bigger fight. Now that Nythe can fly, it's time for us to visit the desert training grounds.”
Myra barked out a laugh at hearing those words. “You expect me to leave my family here, while knowing the rebels are planning an attack in Daran?”
“Myra, right now you don't even know how to ride on Nythe.” Cairo sighed. “Which is something that would give you an advantage over others, being able to move from one place to another in the air and out of sight. We all need to practise and focus before we plan out a full attack and figure out how to get rid of the symbols. There are no rebel camps around and by the time we get there and your first flight, we can come back to Daran under a day in the skies.”
Reluctantly Myra nodded to the prince. It didn't change the fact she wouldn't be here in case of an attack to protect the capital. But she wouldn't be a rider if she never learned how to fly with Nythe. With only a day flight away it should all be fine. At least those would be the words Myra will repeat to herself over and over.
Next Sayer explained all the missing people in the palace. The queen is not a fighter according to the trainer and for now she would move to northern Shaya, the exact location only known by the king and Cairo, who listened silently. And since it's the queen that will move, half the palace will follow.
Cairo did try to reassure Myra, stating warriors from the southern border have been asked to come reinforce the wall in case of an attack.
Even with that, Myra could not shake off that feeling of worry for her family.
It will be fine. Everyone will be fine. She kept repeating in her mind.
With a few grunts and mumbles, Sayer made his way out of the barn, before the door slammed behind him, he let them know they would be leaving at dusk and not a minute later.
Imran and Cairo briefly exchanged pleasantries, before the prince excused himself saying he needs to speak to the king again before they leave.
“Imran?” Myra asked.
Their steps matched as they walked towards the main hall, the sun shining made Imran's eyes look molten gold as he looked at her and his brow went up in question.
“Do you have any bows I could take?”
For a second the rider paused walking at the question, but quickly resumed. “I should have one at my father's store. I will get it for you before we leave.”
Myra smiled and thanked him. Even if the darkness won't allow her to see the targets, she would feel safer with a bow by her side.

Before Myra headed home, Imran advised her not to tell her family about the shadow magic or what it could cause. Said it would cause panic for no reason, since it was so unlikely a rebel attack would take place during the time they left.
So that was exactly what happened.
The bakery was closed and quietly filled the house. Myra explained to her parents and sister that she would be gone for a few days, tried to grunt with irritation and said it was a bothersome mandatory training that had to be completed by riders. With a sigh, her mother said she understood and her father gave her a big hug while saying how proud he was. Only Ayra seemed weary of the conversation and tried to question more details about the training. Luckily that part was true, as her sister definitely would have caught on the lie within seconds.
They told her to pack light, only something to wear for the night time. They would be flying slowly towards the training grounds and the dragons would be the one doing all the heavy lifting, and they had their limits. Especially with all the weapons each one of them would be bringing.
Even with all the nerves from the potential rebel attack, Myra couldn’t help but to be a little excited. Daran was the only place she had ever seen. Imran did mumble about how horrible the desert training grounds were, either way it was something new. From what Myra has heard of so far, the trip there would take approximately two days, due to their slower pace. They would be heading south, meaning the temperatures would be increasing and the further down they go the more sand would surround them. For the rest stops, Sayer said there are a few cave systems that would provide them with shelter and shadow, while the dragons stretched out their wings and rolled around in the sand. Apparently the boiling desert heat does little to affect their four legged companions, Sayer mentioned something about the scales cooling them down. There would also only be three oasis spots, so they would need to be wise with water.
The training grounds itself sounded a lot more pleasant, plenty of cover from huge sand cliffs with numerous sources of water. Not to mention, Imran said it was a few hours flight to an actual city, which Myra was heavily considering begging to go to. It would just be cruel for them to drag her out of the capital for the first time and not show her other parts of Shaya. At least that’s what she would tell them in hopes they would feel sorry and take her there.
Myra gave more hugs to her family before leaving, squeezing them as tight as she could, praying to whoever would listen that they wouldn’t get hurt.
The dusk crept closer as the palace appeared in the line of sight. The guards greeted her as she passed and informed her the dragons and the riders were setting up on the field behind the gardens.
It was the first time Myra had the opportunity to see all the dragons dressed in gear. While they looked terrifying and ready to bite someone's head off, they also looked like the majestic creatures they were born to be.
Cairo was leaning against Astarot and in front of him was Imran and Sayer. Sadly it was painfully obvious her friend did something wrong and the prince enjoyed watching the scolding. With a huff, Sayer walked towards the barn leaving the three alone.
Before any words could be exchanged, Imran turned towards Myra, and the saddened expression faded away, instead replaced with excitement and mischief in the molten gold eyes.
“How badly do I need to be concerned?” Myra was almost tempted to turn the other way, find some excuse about fire left back at the bakery or maybe needing to say bye to Madri.
“Close your eyes.”
“I swear to Vira herself, if you don't-”
“Just close them you stubborn woman.”
Giving a quick glance towards Cairo, who unfortunately looked as confused as Myra was. She reluctantly closed her eyes with a deep sight, tempted to do it again just so the rider was sure how frustrated this was.
“Extend your arms.”
With another groan, Myra followed the command. Something large and solid got placed in her arms. It felt sturdy and smooth, yet covered in some sort of pattern. Myra knew it was a bow she had requested earlier when she felt the string. No longer being able to gold the excitement she snapped her eyes open and looked, or rather stared at the beauty in her arms.
The bow was made from a light coloured wood, covered in small engravings painted gold that shaped dragons throughout its length. The string was white and soft. This was a masterpiece like she has never seen before.
“Imran, I cannot take this.” Myra said with disbelief and looked at her friend, who seemed a little too proud of himself. “This is too fine for someone like me, it should belong to a high up archer.”
“Well first of all missy.” Imran stepped forward and flicked her nose. “That bow is mine. My father made me a whole set of weapons when I became a rider. Knives, daggers, swords, bows, spears or axes. While I love the others, I was never a good shooter. So shut up and take it.”
No one has ever given Myra such a precious gift. In her family, it was mostly flowers or small items one might find useful such as pillows or mugs. Madri has given her a dress before for a ball they sneaked into once, to this day Myra wears it to special occasions and treasures it. While others have given time and thought to the gifts, this was originally made by Imran's father, it was something he held dear and Imran was ready to give it up for her.
Tears stung Myra’s eyes as she looked at the bow. Closing her eyes once more, she jumped up to Imran and wrapped her arms around his neck. He was truly stupidly tall just like the prince, making her toes barely touch the ground, but she hugged him as tightly as she could.
“Thank you.” Myra muttered.
Imran picked her up from the ground and turned rapidly to the sides, throwing Myra around in his arms like nothing more than a rag doll. Yet she still couldn't help but laugh.
“It's alright, just keep it safe and use it well.” Imran gently placed her back on the ground, with a cocky look on his face. “That is if you even know how to use it.”
“I wouldn’t have asked if I didn’t.”
Minutes passed as the riders awaited Sayer to return. Cairo asked a few questions about the bow or where Myra learned how to shoot, which neither of the males seemed convinced about her skill after informing them it was taught by her father. After much prodding, Myra did however find out that the prince also isn’t good with a bow, the idea seemed bizarre, considering how good Cairo was during practice with any weapon he picked out.
Their chatter got interrupted when the trainer started talking over them as he approached, finally disclosing all the details of their upcoming trip.
Firstly, Myra was not to ride Nythe to the training grounds. According to Sayer, while technically speaking it could be done, it would be better for the young dragon to get accustomed to a longer flight before carrying anyone. So for now, Nythe will carry some of the luggage and weapons as a way to get used to the weight.
Secondly, Sayer would be riding with Imran and Myra with Cairo. Both of the dragons are experienced enough to handle the weight, and it will be the most efficient way for them to get there quickly.
Thirdly, there would be two stops and that was it. Sayer repeated it twice and glared at Imran as the words came out of his mouth. The first stop would be a few hours from now, when the sun starts to rise. They would rest in the mountain caves to gain back their energy as well as avoid the blazing, desert sun. They would fly out during the evening hours to save another day of travel, then stop at the oasis. Apparently, they would not be far from the camp at that point, but the dragons will need to drink.
Multiple times during the speech, Myra wanted to object to the trainer, mainly on how she would rather walk during the scorching heat of the desert and burn her feet off than sit for a whole day with the prince on Astarot. They just started being able to hold a conversation, but to be stuck with him for that long seemed like an upcoming disaster and one of them plummeting to the ground, in this case it would be her. And she certainly did not fancy splattering everywhere. However, each time she even considered speaking, Sayer looked at her as if he was ready to cut her tongue off the moment a sound came out. So, she stayed quiet.
Although Imran did not seem happy about the idea of having to sit with the trainer that long either. Not that Myra could blame him, when Sayer will most likely pick at every flaw of the flight.
While placing the food on Nythe, Myra couldn’t help but to sulk even a little bit. The idea of being free in the skies with her bonded dragon, excited and terrified her at the same time. It was not something she had ever considered, but while training and seeing Imran and Cairo get on their dragons, Myra wanted to do the same. Nythe seemed happy flying and being up in the clouds, Myra just wanted to join her. Now there was no chance until they arrived at the training camp.
There weren't many other belongings to place on Astarot, it was just the sword with a bow and a single change of clothes for the night. Tightening the leather strap to close the sack, Myra glanced up towards the prince who already sat atop the dragon.
“Do you need a hand to get on?”
Myra wished she paid more attention to how they got on top of the dragons, or how they flew, or anything involving riding really. It felt embarrassing having to ride with someone else while Nythe was next to her, even more so that she didn’t even know such simple things as getting on.
Astarot laid on the ground, his large dark emerald wings spread around him. The dragon looked unbothered about all the commotion going on or the leather seats and bags strapped on top. The sheer size of the dragon was still intimidating, and Myra swore he was still getting bigger.
“Where am I to sit?” Myra asked.
Cairo carefully stood up, then slid down the wing, making his way towards her. His finger pointed towards the seat he was just on.
“Well you can either go before me, where I suspect you will get a better view of how to actually ride a dragon, or you could go behind me and hold on to one of the straps.”
“Are you trying to tell me Sayer is going to be all cuddled up to Imran as they ride to the campsite?”
The prince chuckled. “No. Sayer is a bit too comfortable on dragons, he most likely will be standing near the back or sitting right near the tail. Says the best view is there and he can see every movement of the dragon and the rider.”
That was the point Sayer crossed the line of insanity to Myra. It was one thing trusting your own dragon to keep you safe, but with no gear or anything to hold on to, for him to just stand? They were getting trained by a madman with a death wish.
“Front it is.” Myra mumbled.
The prince gently grabbed her hand and led her onto Astarot. First they stepped on the wing, then moved towards the seat near the front, and as they did the dragon moved his wing up to let them walk straight on. During the first movement of the wing, Myra lost her footing, but luckily she didn’t go tumbling to the ground and Cairo steadied her. With a few more steps, she sat down right at the front of the delicate leather, soon after the Myra felt the prince sit down behind her, his body pressing into hers as he grabbed the front handle.
“How do you control where we are headed to?”
“It’s just like when you fight. Your dragon is always aware of your intentions, just like you are aware of theirs, even if you don’t realise it yet.” Cairo explained. “So by simply thinking which direction I want to head to, Astarot knows it and flies there.”
Myra nodded in understanding.
A few more minutes passed as they all got settled in. At first it felt awkward that Myra sat at the front instead of the back with her own handle, but the moment they took off she felt thankful for it.
The violent beat of the wings created a rhythm as the ground below became smaller. In the first few seconds, Myra was sure she would fall off, her hands became white from how hard she squeezed the handle, and Cairo wrapped his arms around her a bit tighter than before as he chuckled at her panic.
The air became cooler and Myra’s head felt lighter the higher they went. The capital slowly disappeared and was replaced by what seemed like a never ending desert. The sand dunes just kept going, with nothing else in sight. The moon hung low and seemed to dance between the sand. Myra had never seen anything like that before and she had to try to remember every detail they passed, wanting to share it all with her sister when they came back.
It felt unbelievable, but this was her new life.

“I recommend closing your mouth before a bug flies in.” Cairo whispered near Myra’s ear, sending chills down her spine.
She slammed her mouth shut, embarrassed at the fact she handed the prince another reason to make fun of her. Yet it felt hard to stop.
They were flying for hours now, but the air still felt so fresh with every breath, the coolness of it covered Myra’s skin in goosebumps. The views were breathtaking, the sand still glistened under the moonlight, small villages were covered in the darkness of the night and with each dune or mountain that they passed, Myra couldn't turn her gaze away.
As the hours passed, the awkwardness disappeared between them. Myra also felt less scared in the skies. Astarot’s movements didn't cause her to cling to the handle or the arms that were wrapped around her, if anything it was becoming enjoyable. Freeing.
“Were you scared the first time you flew?” Myra questioned.
“I was more scared of Sayer that was breathing down my neck during my first flight.” Cairo said after a brief pause. “There were different expectations of me, falling off a dragon was the least of my concerns.”
Myra nodded as a response. It felt strange for them to have a normal conversation without throwing insults or bickering. With talks like this, she also couldn't help but feel a tang of pity for the prince. To hold so much responsibility, to worry about meeting all the expectations of others as the first dragon rider must have been exhausting. Anything she felt was probably worse while being alone.
For that she had to be thankful. Even if Myra did not get along with Cairo, he was still there to train her and answer any questions, most experienced out of the riders and seemed prepared for anything thrown at him. Then there was Imran who was a friend to everyone and you could rely on him no matter what. She had them to understand her struggles. She was not alone. Yet it was so easy to forget that.
Large mountains were uncovered by the clouds and sand. The size of them was unlike what Myra has ever seen. The colours change in stone and multiple entrances peeked out into the gentle light.
At this point no one has slept for over a day. Instead of getting rest during night hours, they spent their time flying all the way till sunrise.
Exhaustion crept up slowly, hidden under the excitement of new training and worry for people left in Daran. Myra knew at this point she could be given a rock for a pillow and it would still take her second to fall asleep. Which now that she thought about it was a good thing. They all brought bed rolls, but those would cook them from inside out during the daylight heat.
It didn’t take much longer after that for them to land. The cave was made of a smooth stone, they landed in a large empty space that later on developed into multiple narrow corridors, leading into nothing but darkness. The stone felt cool under Myra’s feet, each step echoed as they moved deeper into the cave system. Sayer went into one of the corridors, dragging his bedroll behind him. The trainer was the only one that was able to go so far away, no dragons were able to squeeze into there.
Myra picked out a far left wall to set up the bedding and took the bags off Nythe body. She laid down and let her dragon cover her with the large wing, which gave her the extra comfort she didn’t know was needed.
Myra picked out a far left wall to set up the bedding and took the bags off Nythe body. She laid down and let her dragon cover her with the large wing, which gave her the extra comfort she didn’t know was needed.

One moment she was dreaming of dancing with Madri around the palace ballroom, the next Myra was startled awake by all the sudden noise that filled the cave. Maybe if she just turned around to the other side and pretended there was no one else around, she could go back to sleep and dance with her friend for a few more minutes. Actually Myra was sure she could have done that if not for the betrayal of Nythe who took her wing off and let the dim light shine straight into her eyes.
As soon as the wing came off, a boot made contact with her knee, shaking her gently side to side.
“How you are acting more spoiled than royalty is beyond me, but I recommend you get up and start packing Nythe.” Cairo stood above Myra glaring down at her.
“My apologies, I wasn’t aware sleeping in caves only for a few hours was part of training I should have been prepared for.”
“We don’t have time for this. Ten minutes then we will leave you behind.”
Oh god, how bad Myra wanted to talk back. Each time she thought they had a pleasant time and they were getting somewhere, the prince had to completely switch his personality and do something to get under her skin. If anything she wished he would dare to leave. After all what would they do without her on Nythe? The kingdom could not afford to lose her and Cairo as the future king should know better than that.
“Do you have a problem?”
“I do.” Myra said, taken aback, not expecting the prince to pick up on her mood. “You treat everyone like trash off the market that got in your way. I would expect the future ruler of the kingdom to know better.”
Cairo’s face was filled with disbelief as he took a step towards her. “Excuse you?”
“Do you wish for me to repeat myself?”
“No, I wish to find out how dare you speak to me like that.” Cairo snapped. “I do not care who you think you are, I outrank you, I will be the future ruler, and you, someone who seems to lack intelligence half the time, will watch how you speak to me.”
It was Myra’s turn to feel disbelief, she didn’t expect that reaction from the prince. Cairo walked off and Myra started to pack.
The sun was now much lower in the sky and the heat did not feel suffocating. With the colder temperatures it was much easier to move swiftly around Nythe and place the weapons and foods around her. It didn’t take much longer for them to set off again.
At first it was beyond awkward up in the skies between Myra and Cairo, in fact she could have bet even Imran felt it as he flew a few more meters away from them then before. Gave them privacy that Myra certainly did not want.
They continued to fly and the region around them started to change. The small sandy dunes started to be replaced by red, rocky hills that seemed to grow the more time passed until they eventually turned into mountains the size of the tallest buildings Myra has ever seen. There was also a few more trees around the mountains, hiding in the shadows away from the desert heat. Then they finally saw the oasis that Sayer spoke about hours earlier.
The second stop didn’t last long. They left all the items on the dragons as everyone drank from the small pool of water. Myra never thought it was possible to be this parched, to crave water more than food or to feel lightheaded on her feet from not drinking all day. Her tongue felt more like paper and every sip felt like life flew back in her body again. Only thing she wished for was being able to strip all the clothes off and wash in the oasis, but they didn’t have time. Sayer has said it wasn’t much longer to the training grounds and they needed to get there before night fall.
The skies embraced them again and the wind sang soft melodies in Myra’s ear, lulling her exhausted body to sleep.

“Wake up.” A deep voice whispered in her ear.
Myra looked around confused, noticing she was softly embraced by the prince, her head on his shoulder. Not sure how long she slept or how much time had passed that she laid on the prince, she gave him an apologetic smile before getting off Astarot.
The camp wasn’t much. Actually, it was a barely a camp at all. They stopped by the biggest oasis, the water was see-through and a couple of tall trees grew around it. The perfect place to provide some shade during the day. A couple of minutes to either side there were smaller pools of water, covered by bushes and even more trees. Myra though the cover there was perfect for taking a bath. Dust covered every inch of her body and she didn’t even want to think about how bad they all must smell.
Further away, the mountains covered covered the horizon. The views Myra has seen while travelling to the training ground, were not something she ever thought would be possible for her. Yet, here Myra stood, with the prince behind her and a dragon on both of her sides, not being able to believe the view what was in front of her. If only Madri or Ayra were able to come as well. It was the only thing she wished for.
They step up a camp quickly, Myra chose a spot under one of the trees for her tent. She could have finished even quicker if Imran didn’t come over twice and decided to hide parts of the tent, only giving them back when Myra was almost climbing on his back demanded the items back. She wasn’t sure how yet, but she would get her revenge on this oversized troll. Perhaps Myra should ask Nythe to pick him up with her claws and fly Imran to the top of the mountains, leave him there for a few hours to teach him a lesson.
Those plans had to wait for another time, the moon shone brightly in the sky and even Nythe was falling asleep on the ground. After a quick bath in the oasis, Myra collapsed from exhaustion in her tent.

The morning could not have started off worse, the desert heat woke Myra up, covered in sweat and dying to find a place to cool off.
Thankfully, even Imran noticed the cranky mood, he shed his skin of a troll for at least one morning and decided to prepare breakfast for everyone. Myra only wished there was more of it. Since they would not be in a village or a town for the next few days, everyone had strict meal rations. After all the travel, the very dried out bread, with a few pieces of fruit did little to satisfy the hunger everyone felt.
Sayer was the last one to be ready to start the day. He emerged from his tent holding three large pieces of paper.
"These are the training plans for the next few days." Sayer walked over to the oasis and nailed each plan to a tree. "Today will be a slower start, I will be giving some extra attention to Imran, and I would like for you Cairo, to show Myra how to equip a dragon and follow her on the first flight. The next day I will have a one on one with Cairo, then the next with Myra. Any issues?"
On the bright side Myra could actually learn a lot today about riding, however on the other she was stuck with the prince who has been getting on her nerves. She wouldn’t dare say anything to Sayer, any objections to his carefully constructed plans would only land her laps around the camp. Which seemed like a health hazard in this heat, but it was unlikely he would care.
From the look on Imran's face he wasn't looking forward towards his day either, god knows what tortures Sayer planned for those one on one's.
Cairo only spared her a glance, before he turned around and started to make his way towards the dragons.
The gear was already there, ready to be placed. Only at that moment Myra started to feel nervous. No longer would there be an experienced prince behind her, leading the way. That saddle was for her only.
The prince did a quick demonstration of where all the gear went, explained all the parts and their functions. If only the nerves weren't making it so the information just flew out of her head immediately. Nythe walked closer, rubbed her head against Myra’s shoulder in comfort.
Saddles were heavier than they looked, headgear got tangled a lot more easily than one would expect, and there were way too many attachments than seemed reasonable. But, nevertheless, Myra eventually got everything in place. Cairo only had to give her a hint twice as to what went where.
"You need to tighten the saddle more." Cairo sighed.
"What?"
"It needs to be on tighter, unless you wish to be upside down mid flight. In that case leave it as it is."
"No need to mock me, I'm learning." Myra hurried towards Nythe to tighten the belts. "I just didn't want it to be too tight on her."
After fixing her mistake, Myra cautiously gets on. With one last look at the prince, with just a thought to Nythe, they jump off the ground and make their way towards the sky. Emotions raced through Myra’s mind, everything from straight up fear to excitement or disbelief. It finally happened and it felt so freeing.
A laugh escaped her lips, and when she turned, Myra almost lost her grip on the saddle when she saw the wide smile on Cairo’s lips.
They flew side by side for what might have been hours. Most of it was spent in silence with a few attempts on trying to race the prince. Not like there was much of a chance during those attempts, considering Nythe was probably the size of Astarot’s wing. It was fun nonetheless.
Myra’s body ached everywhere. It was her second day of riding a dragon none stop, something she was painfully not used to. She tried to feel at ease during her ride, but she couldn’t help when her muscles tensed each time the wind was too strong, or Nythe turned too suddenly. Nail marks stung on her hand from gripping the rail too hard.
And of course the fun couldn’t last too long. Nythe just had to decide she needed to add a little extra to the flight. She dropped drastically and then flew up again. Everyone was amused apart from Myra herself. With the dragon having a mind of her own soon she decided it was time for a bath, and divided right into one of the oases.
Living in capital her whole life and never seeing anything deeper than a bathtub, Myra sank. The oases wasn't deep but still too deep for her to stand. Nythe quickly pushed her out towards the edge with her tail and Myra crawled a bit more out, coughing up some water. She now wasn’t sure who she found more worthy of punishment, Imran who made it his mission to find ways to annoy her, or Nythe who apparently set her eyes on attempting to drown the rider.
With a loud thud, Astarot landed beside the oasis, the prince sliding down the wing with an amused smirk on his face as if he was holding back his laughter. Myra didn’t even want to think as to how she looked right now. The heat of the day burnt her pale skin and covered her in sweat, and now she probably looked something closer to a wet animal. Myra stood up, trying to hold her head high and not think about the embarrassment, instead paying attention to Nythe who was still rolling around in the pool of water. The ripples the dragon has created were so loud that Myra didn’t notice when Cairo moved towards, not until she felt his calloused fingers gently move away the wet strands of hair that stuck to her cheek.
For a moment Myra wasn’t sure what exactly just happened as she looked up him. It felt like there was a slight change that occurred between them in that moment. Or it was her eyes playing a trick on her, but Myra could have sworn the prince looked at her with what she could only describe as longing. That look only lasted for a second before he once again put on that mask of indifference on his face.
“We should be heading back.”Cairo’s voice was soft as he took a few steps back and then made his way back to Astarot, leaving her flustered and confused.